The season will be a tough one. The mission this season will be to stay up - in Division 1.
Unfortunately the Captain, Simon Barker, is away for the first three weeks but he has roped his brother in to run the team during this period. Some old faces are back with James Treweek a new addition to the team and Adrian Hargreaves is also planning to play again. Neil Hodgkins (aka physcho) has offered his services for occasional games as he is a new club member.
This year players will be rotated (just like the Chelsea football squad!) to ensure where possible the lower order don't dip out too much. Hopefully everyone should only miss about 2 games at most if all goes to plan. The Captain anticipates the team order to be - (subject to Barker brothers last deciding playoff game and any other best of three challenges to come):
James Treweek
Paul York
Mark Smith
Jon Oakley
Ade Hargreaves
Simon Barker
Richard Barker
Neil Hodgkins
Simon Richardson
STAMFORD GREEN MAN v KIMBOLTON (back to fixtures list)
First match of the season after being promoted from Division Two - a win here would be a good way to start life in Division One.
The match was set up superbly by Richard Barker and Jon Oakley - they were both on court first and both won there respective matches. As they said, the match was there for the taking.
What happened next, was not good. Mark Smith lost.
Then Paul York lost.
Finally, James Treweek lost.
The result being that the team lost. Rich and Jon were not happy!
CAMBS 1 v STAMFORD GREEN MAN (back to fixtures list)Paul York injured himself the day before this match so it was left to Richard Barker to find a replacement. Chappell and Hargreaves were unavailable so Rich went to the top and asked Tania Bailey if she could play but unfortunately she was going up to Manchester the evening of the match. Who else could he ask that could match Tania's ability? - ah yes, Martin Brewin of course.
So, the team consisted of James Treweek at one, followed by Mark Smith, Jon Oakley, Richard Barker and Martin Brewin.
On first, was Rich playing Murray Jarvis. Rich started off well only to discover that the tin made quite an exciting sound - so he continued to hit it on a rather too regular basis - resulting in losing the first game, 9-7. In the second game Rich started off badly because he continued to hit the tin but he did make an effort later on and gave himself a fighting chance only to start hitting it out of court for no reason whatsoever - he lost the second, 9-7. Nobody could criticise Rich for not being consistent - he also lost the third 9-7. Clearly distraught with his performance, he said afterwards. "That's best forgotten".
Meanwhile on the other court Jon was playing Seth Broadbent - and some cracking rallies were had between the two of them. Seth took the first 9-5 and the battle continued into the 2nd game which was very tight but Jon took it 9-8. The rallies were long and some good shots were played. Seth just had the edge in the third taking it 9-7. Plenty of running was done by both men and Jon levelled it to 2-2 taking the fourth game 10-8. In the fifth, Jon took the lead only to allow Seth to claw it back and ultimately take if from his grasp, 9-6.
On the other court, Martin making his guest appearance, was playing Carole Page. Martin was somewhat rusty, this being only his second game of squash in about 4 months, and his back wall shots were just not accurate enough - leaving Carole plenty of space to destroy him. Carole won the first, won the second and won the third. Martin lost. Afterwards, he discovered that his team mates were having bets on how soon in the match he would hit it off the back wall - for the record it was on his fourth shot.
With the match over it was left to the top two boys to try and salvage some points. Mark was playing Matt Brown who showed some high quality squash in the first beating Mark 9-2. There were some good rallies in this match but you always felt that Matt had the edge and he took the next game, 9-5. In the third Mark dug in and tried a final push but Matt was having none of it and took the third 9-6.
Finally it was left to James playing Rob Baddeley. This was a match all about retrieving and both players picked up some great shots. James won the first and the second games. Many long rallies were being played by both men and clearly both were getting tired but in third Rob called it a day and James took the match.
To summarise, the boys got beaten but hopefully on the return match a stronger squad will be available and maybe the result will go the other way - lets hope so!!
STAMFORD GREEN MAN v MARCH (back to fixtures list)The team won! Unfortunately no reporters were at the match.
STAMFORD GREEN MAN v HUNTS 1 (back to fixtures list)The team won and again no reporters were at the match. However, they have now won 2 and lost 2 - the 2 they've won have been at home - will they be able to win away next week?
PORTUGAL PLACE 1 v STAMFORD GREEN MAN (back to fixtures list)
After an enforced layoff (I won’t bore you with the details), the scribe is back. And with some gossip to catch up on it seems. The team for tonight’s game was James Treweek, Mark Smith, Jon Oakley, Richard Barker and Simon Barker playing in that order.
We all traveled down together and I caught up on previous matches. Played 4, won 2 and lost 2. A good average and seemingly on track to establish ourselves within the league and crucially to remain up in div 1. The matches appear to have gone well apart from the odd hiccup. A welcome new addition to the team this year is James “Psycho” Treweek taking the pressure of Yorkie (still suffering with major twisted sock injury – sorry, calf injury.
We all traveled down together and I caught up on previous matches. Played 4, won 2 and lost 2. A good average and seemingly on track to establish ourselves within the league and crucially to remain up in div 1. The matches appear to have gone well apart from the odd hiccup. A welcome new addition to the team this year is James “Psycho” Treweek taking the pressure of Yorkie (still suffering with major twisted sock injury – sorry, calf injury.
Anyway I digress, on with the gossip. Recently James was playing in the coveted number 1 slot, of which we all aspire to play at and where we often look to our talented players as mentors and ambassadors of our beloved sport. This was a difficult game for James and after some questionable decisions by the marker James became somewhat aggrieved. (Some would say the plot went completely missing). After some stiff exchanges of words between players (with the marker attempting to regain control of the fight match) the game was completed with James finally completely destroying a perfectly good teddy. Less than a week later playing for the second team at short notice again James was not on best form mentally and proceeded to have a very similar game with much teddy destroying. This was followed by a major sulk and no pub visit for food and drinks. 10.00pm now and transport was a major issue as Oakham is a fair way with no car (the team driver of course was at the pub). I’ll catch a train thought James – nope. Next one is 11.30pm. Ah! Taxi. How much?? Finally James managed to get home after catching a lift from a passing Samaritan (luckily). Which brings me to tonight and after some “mild” banter in the car James admitting he was exceptionally embarrassed by his last two matches behavior stated 1. “I will never question a call again” 2. “I’m too embarrassed to play for the second team again” (if ever asked!!!) and finally after overhearing his opponent talking about him in the dressing room saying that he was concerned that James was okay, James said, after slating himself again “……… and he is such a nice bloke”.
So back to the match tonight. Portugal Place were our opponents. Div 1 champions last year. Barker senior was on first against Rupert Jakes. A tough first game ensued with Simon working the hardest. Some good rallies saw a close fist game just taken by Rupert 9-7. The second saw Simon collapse with some dire squash allowing Rupert an easy 9-2 win. The third Simon finally got his act together and stormed through to take it 9-2. Another concentration failure saw Rupert runaway with the first 7 points and under serious self induced pressure Simon found some shots and started to claw back until finally losing 9-6 and the tie 3-1.
Richard was on the other court to tall Neil Raine. Richard never got to grips with the right game plan and played into Neil’s (large) hands. Unable to exert any pressure Richard last 9-1, 9-0, 9-6. The omens weren’t good!
Jon Oakley went next. Yet another disaster. Jon having the same problem could not apply any pressure to his opponent – Andy Whitam, and though some good rallies were played Jon could not get a game and finally went down 9-6, 9-4 and 9-7.
So with the match lost and some long faces about Mark Smith went on against Aqib Kadar. Aqib was a very handy player and from the off it was apparent that Mark was going to get intimate with the court corners. Sure enough, Aqib went on to win 9-1, 9-4, 9-2 playing some excellent squash and keeping Mark on the back foot. Lastly it was psycho’s James turn against a young lad (12 I think) Chris Killyard. This was tough one with some excellent shots from both players. Hard telling rallies with both players working hard saw a close 1st with Chris stealing it at the end 9-6 then going on to dominate the court and take the next two comfortably 9-1, and 9-1.
A great game but a disappointing match as we were well and truly stuffed. A little worrying was their number 1 was not playing!! However none of us really played to their potential – but we will be back. Can anyone afford to sponsor Michael Ferreira jnr a return flight from the States for the return match??
FRANK LEE 1 v STAMFORD GREEN MAN (back to fixtures list)Stamford lost 3-2
Simon Gardiner 1 James Trewick 3 { 4/9 , 9/7 , 4/9 , 8/10 } (1sts)
John Hawkins 3 Paul York 0 { 9/4 , 9/4 , 9/3 } (2nds)
Frazer Allen 3 Mark Smith 0 { 9/5 , 9/0 , 9/4 } (3rds)
Paul Austin 3 Jonathon Oakley 1 { 9/7 , 9/3 , 9/10 , 9/3 } (4ths)
0 Adrian Hargreaves 3 {Walkover} (5ths)
Stamford lose at home 3-2.
James Trewick 1 Chris Reeve 3 { 3/9 , 9/6 , 3/9 , 7/9 } (1sts)
Paul York 3 Mark Emery 2 { 7/9 , 9/0 , 3/9 , 9/6 , 9/7 } (2nds)
Mark Smith 0 Colin Usher 3 { 8/10 , 8/10 , 5/9 } (3rds)
Richard Barker 1 Keith Hackett 3 { 4/9 , 6/9 , 9/2 , 0/9 } (4ths)
Simon Barker 3 Tony Gay 0 { 9/0 , 9/5 , 9/3 } (5ths)
A tremendously close match but Stamford manage to win.
Spencer Beswick 2 James Trewick 3 { 6/9 , 9/6 , 4/9 , 9/2 , 7/9 } (1sts)
Jonathan Hand 3 Paul York 2 { 2/9 , 3/9 , 9/4 , 9/1 , 9/3 } (2nds)
Mat Diedunne 3 Mark Smith 0 { 9/4 , 9/7 , 9/6 } (3rds)
Paul Partington 2 Jonathon Oakley 3 { 9/1 , 7/9 , 9/3 , 3/9 , 4/9 } (4ths)
Neil Hoskins 2 Adrian Hargreaves 3 { 9/2 , 9/0 , 4/9 , 6/9 , 8/10 } (5ths)
A comfortable win for Stamford.
James Trewick 2 Vinod Duraikan 3 { 9/3 , 6/9 , 9/2 , 6/9 , 2/9 } (1sts)
Paul York 3 Andy D'Alexander 0 { 9/3 , 9/6 , 9/1 } (2nds)
Mark Smith 3 Ian Blower 0 { 9/4 , 9/6 , 9/5 } (3rds)
Richard Barker 3 Julian Cruickshank 0 { 9/0 , 9/2 , 9/0 } (4ths)
Simon Barker 3 Will 0 { 9/0 , 9/4 , 9/2 } (5ths)
Stamford looking good - they lost this tie in the first half of the season.
James Trewick 3 Steve Barlow 1 { 9/6 , 9/6 , 6/9 , 9/8 } (1sts)
Paul York 3 Matt Towers 0 { 9/3 , 9/4 , 9/5 } (2nds)
Mark Smith 3 Tony Blott 1 { 9/3 , 9/7 , 6/9 , 10/8 } (3rds)
Richard Barker 1 Lee Bartlet 3 { 10/9 , 5/9 , 5/9 , 1/9 } (4ths)
Mark Davies 1 M Holt 3 { 3/9 , 7/9 , 9/5 , 4/9 } (5ths)
Stamford on a roll perhaps?
James Trewick 0 Rob Badley 3 { 5/9 , 7/9 , 2/9 } (1sts)
Paul York 3 Matt Brown 0 { 9/3 , 9/1 , 9/0 Retired } (2nds)
Mark Smith 1 Seth Broadbent 3 { 7/9 , 6/9 , 9/3 , 1/9 } (3rds)
Jonathon Oakley 3 Munnay Jarvis 0 { 9/4 , 9/8 , 9/6 } (4ths)
Adrian Hargreaves 3 Carol Page 0 { 9/5 , 9/2 , 10/8 } (5ths)
Stamford well and truly beaten by mid-league positioned team - oh dear!
Aj Janzic 3 Paul York 0 { 9/5 , 9/0 , 9/1 } (1sts)
Neil Rossin 3 Mark Smith 0 { 9/6 , 9/6 , 9/7 } (2nds)
Alex Mayle 3 Adrian Hargreaves 1 { 5/9 , 9/4 , 9/6 , 9/1 } (3rds)
Duncan Colquhoun 3 Richard Barker 1 { 9/5 , 9/1 , 3/9 , 9/3 } (4ths)
Andy Slade 3 Simon Barker 1 { 9/6 , 6/9 , 9/5 , 9/7 } (5ths)
Stamford beaten again, but Adrian wins at No.5
James Trewick 1 Chris Hilyard 3 { 9/3 , 5/9 , 2/9 , 6/9 } (1sts)
Paul York 0 Harry Leitch 3 { 0/9 , 4/9 , 3/9 } (2nds)
Mark Smith 0 Andy Whitham 3 { 6/9 , 5/9 , 5/9 } (3rds)
Jonathon Oakley 1 Neil Raine 3 { 3/9 , 2/9 , 9/3 , 3/9 } (4ths)
Adrian Hargreaves 3 Stewart McTavish 1 { 9/8 , 0/9 , 9/1 , 9/7 } (5ths)
Thanks to the lower order, Stamford win!
Paul York 2 Simon Gardiner 3 { 9/3 , 7/9 , 9/1 , 6/9 , 2/9 } (1sts)
Mark Smith 0 John Hawkins 3 { 2/9 , 4/9 , 2/9 } (2nds)
Jonathon Oakley 3 Frazer Allen 2 { 9/5 , 0/9 , 3/9 , 10/8 , 9/1 } (3rds)
Adrian Hargreaves 3 Joe Devereux 0 { 9/3 , 9/7 , 9/1 } (4ths)
Richard Barker 3 Tim Hobbs 1 { 2/9 , 9/2 , 9/1 , 9/5 } (5ths)
Mark Smith wins at 3 but Stamford lose again.
Chris Reeve 3 James Trewick 1 { 9/7 , 9/7 , 3/9 , 9/7 } (1sts)
Mark Emery 3 Paul York 1 { 2/9 , 9/3 , 9/2 , 9/3 } (2nds)
Colin Usher 2 Mark Smith 3 { 9/6 , 7/9 , 9/4 , 6/9 , 0/9 } (3rds)
Keith Hacket 3 Jonathon Oakley 2 { 9/5 , 8/10 , 9/2 , 5/9 , 9/8 } (4ths)
Richard Bridge 3 Simon Barker 0 { 9/6 , 9/6 , 9/6 } (5ths)
Mark Smith wins again at 3 but everybody else loses
James Trewick 2 Bez Beresford 3 { 1/9 , 9/4 , 9/4 , 9/10 , 2/9 } (1sts)
Paul York 1 Jonathan Hand 3 { 2/9 , 10/9 , 7/9 , 5/9 } (2nds)
Mark Smith 3 Mat Diedunne 2 { 9/7 , 6/9 , 0/9 , 9/0 , 9/6 } (3rds)
Adrian Hargreaves 2 Neil Hoskins 3 { 9/1 , 9/1 , 6/9 , 1/9 , 4/9 } (4ths)
Richard Barker 0 Peter Hand 3 { 6/9 , 5/9 , 6/9 } (5ths)
Yorkie and Barker lose but the team win 3-2.
Mark Cottingham 3 Paul York 0 { 9/1 , 9/2 , 9/0 } (1sts)
Andy D'alessandro 1 Mark Smith 3 { 5/9 , 9/3 , 4/9 , 3/9 } (2nds)
Chris Stone 0 Jonathon Oakley 3 { 8/9 , 4/9 , 7/9 } (3rds)
Ian Blower 3 Richard Barker 0 { 9/3 , 10/8 , 9/7 } (4ths)
Ralph Mathews 1 Paul Swift 3 { 10/8 , 2/9 , 2/9 , 2/9 } (5ths)
Simon Barker had a tough game against the steady Phil Godfrey. The match went all the way to the wire with Simon snatching it 10-8 in the fifth.
Meanwhile Adrian Hargreaves cruised to a 3-0 victory over Avison Warren playing at No.4
Jonathon Oakley played Andrew Osborn and this proved to be another tough game - also going to the 5th game - unfortunately Andrew Osborne won it 9/8 which in the end appeared to decide the team result because both Mark Smith and Paul York were comfortably beaten playing at 2 and 1 respectively.
The results:
Matt Fiveash 3 Paul York 0 { 9/1 , 9/4 , 9/5 } (1sts)
Ed Le Fevre 3 Mark Smith 0 { 9/4 , 9/3 , 9/0 } (2nds)
Andrew Osborn 3 Jonathon Oakley 2 { 9/3 , 9/5 , 6/9 , 8/9 , 9/8 } (3rds)
Avison Warren 0 Adrian Hargreaves 3 { 4/9 , 4/9 , 3/9 } (4ths)
Phil Godfrey 2 Simon Barker 3 { 9/3 , 8/10 , 7/9 , 9/3 , 8/10 } (5ths)
With the season now over the team have achieved their aim - to stay up in the Cambs 1st Division after having been promoted last season. They finished 7th in the league CLICK HERE for the league table.
On a final note, having been unavailable for much of this season we hope the team match reporter, Simon Barker, will be back next season!